Family Literacy is all around us and in almost everything we do. At ESMV Literacy we know that we never stop learning, no matter how young or old we are. Teaching kids in your life how to make a box of Kraft dinner – that’s family literacy. Showing your granddad how to take a video with his phone – that’s family literacy. Watching your daughter read to her baby cousin – that’s family literacy. Learning to garden, crochet, play an instrument – that’s family literacy. Even having a fun game night with friends is family literacy in action! We are here to support and encourage family literacy in our communities and to offer engaging events, workshops, and programs for all learners.
We received funding from the Family Literacy Initiative Endowment Fund to support this fun and interactive literacy program. We have included community partners, Sheet Harbour Library, Sheet Harbour Parks and Rec, Musquodoboit Valley Family Resource Center and Eastern Shore Family Resource Association, to help us achieve our goals of introducing reading and writing to children ages 3-6. Jolly Phonics includes helping parents and caregivers understand how to include fun phonic activities in their day to day interactions with their children through sound, song and play. Reach out to us or one of our community partners; to ask about program schedules and how to sign up.
Did you know that ESMV Literacy loves to give away free books to children and youth? It’s true! From Primary Welcome Packs and Grab and Go events to the Tree of Lights Festival and our Family Literacy Day celebrations, we are in the community whenever we can be, handing out brand new books to young readers. We hope to see you at our next event!
We love food! Who doesn’t? And it’s no secret that eating delicious and nutritious foods boosts our mental health and our ability to focus and learn. That’s why we are always looking for new ways to support food programs in our communities. We’ve partnered with other community groups to bring food bags and meals to seniors, to host cooking, gardening, canning and preserving programs, community meals, and more!
Since 1999, Canada celebrates Family Literacy day every January 27th to promote early literacy and the importance of reading and engaging in literacy-related activities as a family. ESMV Literacy celebrates this day each year with our community partners by hosting multiple FREE family fun events and book giveaways in the Musquodoboit Valley and on the Eastern Shore. The events look a little different each year and in each location but they’ve included, hands-on workshops led by the Discovery Centre and Ray’s Reptiles, magic shows, face painting, STEM activities, bouncy castles, games, prizes, treats, snacks, and of course, FREE CHILDREN’S BOOKS! Throughout the year we continue to celebrate by posting contests and give-aways on our Facebook page. Follow us @esmvliteracy so you don’t miss out!
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen organizations that promote adult learning. They develop resources and programming to enhance literacy workshops and support essential skill building. ESMV Literacy is fortunate to partner with ABC Life Literacy to offer programs such as Upskills for Work, Money Matters, and more.
